Senior Director, Business Development

Who are we?

We’re Avance Clinical a Contract Research Organisation. We offer specialised services supporting drug development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. We have a rich history in this area with our founding roots dating back to the 1980’s. If you already work in this industry you’ll know that we are experts in our field.

Why should you join Avance Clinical?

We appreciate that our most important asset is our people. We offer a fun, friendly work environment and a culture that values honesty and respect. We have a strong sense of team. We genuinely appreciate each individual but recognise the collective when achieving success.

We are committed to creating a flexible work environment for our people by supporting them to balance their work commitments and personal needs, both now and into the future.

Broad Purpose

Avance Clinical is a Contract Research Organisation which offers specialised services supporting drug development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

The Senior Director Business Development (US) will be responsible for leading the North American business development team to support the business growth objectives, strategic planning, setting goals and objectives, process improvement. This will also include new lead generation and client engagement, providing management, issue escalation, ongoing support and mentorship to US based business development team members. This is a leadership position that will play a critical role in driving our success and growth.

Core Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Business Development (or designee) to assess business development opportunities and new client opportunities to drive business growth.
• As part of the business development leadership team, drive identification and management of strategic business development partnerships and maintain key relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support oversight and management of the business development pipeline, driving sales and management of CRM.
• Set-up/improve appropriate procedures, workflows and metrics to track and manage the business development pipeline.
• Conduct day to day business in line with departmental and individual goals and key performance indicators (KPI's).
• Manage internal team's goals, development and delivery of KPI's.
• Participate in client meetings and support bid defense meetings as needed.
• Support monthly preparation of board presentations, as required.
• Co-ordinate, manage, attend and follow-up conferences and meetings with potential clients and where applicable act in a lead Business Development role introducing Avance Clinical and our services to new clients.
• Support/Co-ordinate with internal Avance Clinical experts to enable provision of clinical trial advice and expertise to clients through practical, logical and experienced based feedback as needed.
• Continually seek new events, conferences, forums that might be suitable for Avance to find prospective new clients, in line with departmental budgets and seek additional budget if the opportunity warrants.
• Other duties as directed by Line Management or delegate in line with skills, experience and/or qualifications.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Initiate and develop continuous improvement of company's business development processes and systems.
• Actively provide industry intelligence from vendors, clients, competitors to contribute to the organization's competitiveness and positioning.
• Assist with the development of departmental SOPs as required.
• Adhere to departmental SOPs, work instructions and process developments.
• May involve line management of staff.

Organisational Responsibilities

• Embrace the core values of Avance Clinical and endeavor to display those attributes at all times with clients and staff alike.
• Commit to Avance Clinical training programs.
• Adhere to Avance quality systems.

All staff are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by their conduct.

The accountabilities as specified above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the position.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• Ordinary degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline and appropriate industry experience.
• Proven ability working within a business development team within a CRO environment including experience in client meetings, lead generation, cost and proposal development and contract management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, senior management and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written communications skills including the ability to write SOPs and reports.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities, analyse problems, formulate clear and effective solutions and coordinate tasks.
• Ability to work independently on multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take initiative in problem solving and in exercising judgment.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to work in, and be supportive of, a positive and dynamic team culture.
• Industry experience in appropriate positions that complement and enhance the requirements of this position (a minimum of 8 years' experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical/CRO industry with previous 3+ years of line management experience being highly regarded).
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Can build and maintain positive relationships with management, peers, and subordinates.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Display strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What We Offer

• Stimulating work
• Project diversity
• An intellectual challenge
• An agile & flexible workplace
• Opportunity to progress
• Stability
• Sense of community
• A leadership team that are working together on a common goal
• Flexible work options
• Great tools / tech to do your job